Physical Therapy for Preventative Care Saves Tons of Money

When people think of preventative care they think paying an annual visit to their physician. Although it is important to see a physician annually there are people who are opting to see a physical therapist for preventative care in addition to their physician.  Why is this?

The profession of physical therapy has drastically changed with advancements in modern medicine and emerging technologies.  Physical therapy is no longer just about treating injuries and people with disabilities thanks to new discoveries which have created an increase in health awareness.  Physical therapists are now helping individuals globally with preventative care by creating comprehensive and personalized health and wellness programs that are suited to the specific needs of each individual.

By paying an annual visit to a physical therapist, patients receive a comprehensive and targeted evaluation of their current health status which includes a review of muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary functions of the body. If the physical therapist discovers a weakness they will design an individualized treatment plan to prevent the problem from getting worse down the road.  They will also help patients follow through with the plan throughout the year and make adjustments where necessary along the way.

People are also opting to use physical therapy for preventative care due to the soaring costs of medical treatment.  By consulting with a physical therapist patients can head off problems early on and prevent them from deteriorating and requiring more serious treatment such as expensive surgery.  Surgery can also cause further health problems if it is not done correctly so individuals view physical therapy as a logical preventative measure to maintain good health.  Most people will wait until the problem becomes serious and by that time there is no other option other than costly medical treatment.

As people age they lose muscle mass and their nutritional needs change. A regular visit to a physical therapist can help maintain physical strength and prevent mobility problems.  The physical therapist will design a personalized plan to help maintain movement while strengthening muscles in the process.  Starting the program before problems develop will prevent a myriad of health issues in the future.

The percentage of individuals who are seeking the help of physical therapists is on the rise as more people become aware of the many different fields that physical therapy covers in addition to the changing role of a physical therapist.  Working with a physical therapist saves tons of money down the road and allows individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life as well.  Why wouldn’t anyone use physical therapy for preventative care?

About Carol Lane:

Carol Lane has been a health-and-wellness expert for over 18 years.

Lane served as a physical therapist in the Army for four years, ensuring the men and women fighting for our freedom remained fit and well. Lane has also spent seven years working in various rehab facilities and home health agencies helping children and adults take care of themselves.  

In 1998, Lane established her own practice, Results Physical Therapy. Results initially specialized in older adult exercise programs and manual therapy, and then expanded to preventive care for adults of all ages, which allows patients to handle problems before they become serious as well as maintaining the health they have.  In 2006, she expanded her practice to the Greater Bangor and Dexter areas in Maine.

Lane has a B.S. in physical therapy from Daemen College, and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and a minor in healthcare administration from San Marcos State University.  Her patients say they like the opportunity to take better care of themselves in a friendly, enjoyable environment which she and her team strive to achieve on a continual basis.  Visit http://www.resultsphysicaltherapy.org